Electric Two-wheeler Segment Signals Recovery
- By MT Bureau
- October 07, 2020
Electric two-wheeler industry is showing signs of revival especially with sales of High-Speed Electric two-wheelers (HS E2W) in September have increased by 72 percent on YoY basis. The registration stood at 2,544 units in September 2020, as against 1,473 vehicles sold in the corresponding month of the last year.
“We are experiencing huge customers’ interest in greener vehicles as they have seen how the environment looks like when no fuel-guzzling vehicles are running on roads. The upcoming festive season will add to the pent up demand and help OEMs to recover what they lost in the quarter 1 and 2 due to Covid lockdown,” Sohinder Gill, Director General, Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) said.
The first six month of the Financial Year 21 have been a roller coaster ride for the EV industry. The financial year started with an uncertainty due to Covid 19 which led to lockdown in the country. Between the period of April’20 and September’20, the industry registered sales of 7552 HS E2W as against 10161 HS E2W sold in the corresponding months of the last FY.
“One of the main reasons of the stagnant sales is attributed to customers not able to buy products due to COVID 19, which led to lockdown in the country. However, the industry has been quickly able to enter the positive curve soon after the government announced the unlock process,” he said.
“Lately there have been many positive news on the EV policy front from the central and state governments that has led to a higher confidence amongst OEMs, Component suppliers and investors. We look forward to a big push by the government to set right what went wrong with FAME 2 so as to assist generation of demand which is already showing some green shoots. Some of the measures that could be adopted are removal of the 'range criteria' from two wheelers for subsidy, reduction of GST on batteries from 18 % to 5% when sold separately, mandating delivery businesses to convert their fleets to EVs, promote electric mobility under ‘Swatchh Bharat Campaign’ added Sohinder Gill.
The outlook for the FY remains positive as the segment hopes that the recent move by the central government allowing vehicle to be sold without battery and the announcement of EV policy by Delhi government would further help the industry to move forward. Also, extending the PMP guidelines would allow industry to ramp-up production and strengthen local component market. (MT)
NB: Featured photo is representational.
BMW Motorrad India Launches M 1000 R Roadster Motorcycle At INR 3.35 Million
- By MT Bureau
- March 16, 2026
German luxury brand BMW Motorrad India has launched the M 1000 R roadster at prices starting INR 3.35 million. The motorcycle is available as a completely built-up unit (CBU), with pre-orders opening today at authorised dealerships with deliveries scheduled to commence in May 2026.
The M 1000 R is powered by a 999 cc water-cooled inline 4-cylinder engine, producing a peak output of 210 hp (154 kW) at 13,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 113 Nm at 11,100 rpm. The vehicle reaches 100 kmph in 3.2 seconds and has a maximum speed of 280 kmph.
The engine incorporates BMW ShiftCam technology to manage torque in the low and medium speed ranges. Mechanical components include titanium valves, camshafts and intake funnels for charge exchange at high speeds.
It features dual LED headlights and M Winglets that provide 11 kg of downforce at 220 kmph. The M Quick action throttle reduces the rotation angle required for acceleration. The rear frame and swingarm are finished in Platinum Grey metallic. Customers can also get an optional M Competition Package, which includes M Carbon wheels and GPS-Laptrigger, carbon covers for the rear wheel, chain & tank and adjustable footrest system.
The M 1000 R is equipped with a 6.5-inch TFT display and an OBD interface for data logging. Integrated riding modes include Rain, Road, Dynamic, Race and Race Pro 1-3. These modes adjust functions for the engine, traction control, wheelie control and ABS Pro using a 6-axis sensor box. The traction control system is derived from RR models.
It is available in two colour options Light White / M Motorsport and White Aluminium metallic matt.
BMW Motorrad India is providing a three-year warranty with no kilometre limit, with options for extensions to a fourth or fifth year. Roadside assistance is included as a 24-hour service.
Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “The new BMW M 1000 R is a powerful expression of our M genetics, where a high-performance superbike meets a dynamic roadster. It is meticulously crafted for those who demand uncompromising performance both on the streets and the racetrack. With its unmistakable four-cylinder roar, the new M R is built for riders who relentlessly push their limits. This machine brings the uncompromising standards on M performance to the road, ensuring every ride is an authentic experience of power and precision.”
Zelio E-Mobility Launches 2026 X-Men+ Variant E-Scooter At INR 60,000
- By MT Bureau
- March 16, 2026
Zelio E-Mobility, an electric vehicle start-up, has launched the 2026 variant of the X-Men+ low-speed electric scooter at INR 60,000.
The e-scooter comes with a claimed 120 km range, 25 kmph max speed, 12-inch rear wheel, hydraulic shock absorbers on both wheels and is available in Black, White, Blue & Gray colour options.
It is powered by a 60/72V BLDC motor, which consumes 1.5 units of electricity per charge. The X-Men+ supports both lithium and lead batteries, with charging times of four to five hours for lithium and eight to ten hours for lead.
As is the case with most e-scooters, the X-Men+ also comes with a reverse gear & parking switch, digital display, USB charging, anti-theft alarm and central locking. It comes with a two-year warranty, while the battery is covered by a one-year warranty.
Kunal Arya, Managing Director, Zelio E-Mobility, said, “Urban commuting demands reliability comfort and ease of use and the X-Men+ 2026 variant has been engineered to meet exactly those needs. With modern styling a larger rear wheel improved suspension and a host of rider-friendly features the X-Men+ 2026 variant provides a dependable and practical solution for city riders navigating daily traffic. This launch reinforces our commitment to practical purpose-built electric mobility for India.”
Established in 2021, Zelio E-Mobility has an annual manufacturing capacity of 72,000 units and operates a network of 350 outlets across 20 states and union territories in India.
Ducati India Launches Desmo450 MX Motocross Motorcycle At INR 1.72 Million
- By MT Bureau
- March 16, 2026
Italian superbike manufacturer Ducati India has announced the launch of the Desmo450 MX, its first motocross motorcycle for the Indian market.
The model, developed through the MXGP World Championship, will be available at select dealerships starting at the end of March 2026 at a starting price of INR 1.72 million (ex-showroom).
The Desmo450 MX is powered by a 449.6 cc single-cylinder engine featuring Desmodromic distribution. It is the first production motocross motorcycle to include a traction control system designed to monitor and manage rear wheel slippage.
The motorcycle is constructed with an aluminium frame designed for rigidity and agility. Optional components from the Ducati Performance catalogue include:
- Akrapovic titanium exhaust system
- Brembo Racing brake calipers
- Machined wheel hubs and triple clamps
The company has opened bookings now with the deliveries scheduled to commence in late March 2026. It is available for purchase through the company’s four dealerships – Ducati New Delhi, Ducati VFM Bengaluru, Ducati Chennai and Ducati Pune.
Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India, said, “The arrival of the Desmo450 MX is a landmark moment for Ducati in India. We have seen a growing passion for off-road and motocross motorcycling in the country, and we are thrilled to enter this exciting segment with a product that is pure, state-of-the-art Ducati performance. The Desmo450 MX is a testament to our racing heritage and our commitment to providing Indian riders with the most advanced and capable Ducati motorcycles in the world. We are confident that this bike will not only speak to a new generation of motorcyclists but will also expand the Ducatisti community in India into newer territories of motocross adventure.”
Royal Enfield Marks 3rd Anniversary Of Super Meteor 650 With Ride Across India
- By MT Bureau
- March 16, 2026
Chennai-based mid-sized motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield organised a ride across India to celebrate the third year anniversary of the Super Meteor 650, which saw participation from around 4,000 riders from more than 100 cities.
The Super Meteor 650 uses a 648cc parallel-twin engine and the chassis is equipped with upside-down front forks to manage stability and handling on highways and in urban environments.
It features 1500 mm of wheelbase, 15.7-litre fuel tank and is available in low and wide seat configuration to meet diverse rider needs.
The Super Meteor 650 features a silhouette with twin exhausts and supports a range of accessories for customisation. The anniversary event served as a focal point for the rider community, emphasising the use of the motorcycle for distance travel and group tours.
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